Clayton gets fifth superior court judge

Clayton County is getting a fifth superior court judge under legislation signed into law earlier this week by Gov. Nathan Deal.

“By adding a fifth Superior Court Judge, we will alleviate some of the burden held by our current judges and allow the judicial process to work more effectively and efficiently in our county and for our citizens,” said State Rep. Ronnie Mabra (D-Fayetteville), sponsor of House Bill 804, which created the fifth judge’s slot.

Deal will appoint the new judge to the Clayton Judicial Circuit for a term beginning Jan. 1, 2017. That term runs through Dec. 31, 2018. The successor will then be chosen during the November 2018 election in a non-partisan race to fill a four-year term.